How is Your Tribe Perceived By Tunji Ajibade – A Rebuttal
I read this punch newspaper article by Tunji Ajibade titled “When Emmanuel
Iwuanyanwu rubs it in” www.punchng.com/when-emanuel-iwuanyanwu-rubs-it-in/ by Tunji Ajibade I could not help but be dismayed by the position of the writer regarding marginalization, tribalism and sectarianism that is infecting Nigeria. In his writeup, he made references to so many previous actions and activities as if they justify any type of relegation of a group of people to the background. This is shallow thinking at its best.
First, what does the shooting of the first movie has in Lagos have to do with when Nollywood was formed. Prior to Hollywood and Bollywood, movies were being made in America and India? There is no relationship between when movies were first shot in any country, to the formation of a movie hub such as Hollywood, Nollywood and Bollywood. To the contrary, movie production predated Bollywood and Hollywood, however, it never led to hatred or negative perception of any groups in America or India. Furthermore, what is the relationship between the origin of Nollywood and Lagos being a “no man’s land?” Clearly the writer was basically attempting to forcefully affirm his own biases and ethnocentrism regarding the Igbos.
His logic that Igbo perception is one of the reasons their quest for inclusivity is not being honored in Nigeria. Just like the Yorubas, Igbos have their own adages regarding how one should behave in public. What Mr. Ajibade failed to acknowledge was the long-standing marginalization of the Igbos in Nigeria. His reference to Sir Ahmadu Bello, is a clear manifestation of his lack of understanding of the tribal dynamics at play in Nigeria. During the time of Sir Ahmadu Bello, what ills have the Igbos brought upon other tribes in Nigeria to warrant that callous comment? Or could it be a fear of the Igbo tenacity, persistence, doggedness and vision that is driving these other tribes to adopt all kinds of negative attributes and arrogate such to the Igbos? Like I have said in previous articles, Igbos dominate the middle class and merchandising in Nigeria only. We have never been players in politics. It is true that the Igbos are not the most educated, but are very adept in making something out of nothing. During the time of Sir Ahmadu Bello, how many Igbos held high offices in Northern Nigeria? What is clear is Mr. Tunji Ajibade position regarding the Igbo tribe’s domination of Nigerian is simply a made-up apparatus as ascribed by Sir. Ahmadu Bello to marginalize a group. It is an attempt to brand Igbos while striking fear in other tribes all in an effort to make sure Igbos are continuously marginalized. His goal of entreating the Igbos to watch how they are perceived is simply a veiled treat for the Igbos to keep quiet regardless of how they are being treated. How could you ask a people to abandon the characteristics that defines them? To ignore their doggedness which that propelled them from bankruptcy following the civil war to becoming contenders again in the Nigeria dispensation. Such is simply a pipe dream!
On Lagos being a “no man’s land,” let the truth be told, Lagos is a melting pot! All tribes and creeds live and conduct business in Lagos. This includes Americans, Lebanese, Chinese, Russian to name just a few. This influx of non-Yoruba indigens into Lagos is by virtue of it being the Capital of Nigeria from independence until the creation of Abuja. The Igbo never set out to conquer Lagos, they came in search of greener pastures just like any other groups or tribes – and suffice to say they have been very successful at it. Everyone knows that their contributions to the Lagos state economy cannot be understated. Most of the investments in Lagos state are by members of other tribes and nationalities. This does not mean that Yorubas have no investments in Lagos! It simply speaks to the synergy that could be achieved when people look past tribalism and sectarianism while investing in the future of their local communities. Such efforts should be celebrated and not demeaned as a bad omen.
Mr. Ajibade referred to former Nigerian President Aguiyi Ironsi as the coup plotter and how his presidency was misplaced in a movie. As a journalist, he should be seeking the truth and not participate in twisting history. By his text, he has indirectly accepted the narrative of the movie which referred to Oronsi as a soldier and not a former Nigeria President. Again, I am not surprised, because Nigeria is a country where what is real is never real. Today in America, some states such as Florida, are attempting to erase the effects and impacts of slavery on African Americans, and it is the press who have continued to fight this wrong narrative instead of allowing such twisted narrative of known history to prevail. But here this writer attempt to weave this basket of connotations that somehow these atrocities being meted out to the Igbo are a result of their behavior and exuberance. Mind you he cleverly sidestepped Yoruba participation in the said coup. We all know the role of the Yorubas with and the involvement of Adewale Ademoyega and others in the coup? Again, this shows a clear bias that is being perpetrated using lackluster references to make it real.
Since the first coup, Nigeria have had numerous other coups without Igbo participation. Why were those not highlighted? Why should the only coup that a few Igbos were participants become a testament to Igbo the character, while erroneously arrogating such as testament for an entire tribe? That is so unfair! Again, this shows disdain for a Igbos simply because of their God given attributes, characteristics and talents.
The truth is simple! The perception of the Igbo tribe is a made-up perception of convenience, and that is totally untrue and unwarranted. Anyone holding such views or perception should check their biases and how they were able to cultivate such views. The Igbos have lived in Lagos for so long and I am yet to see them take over the state government. These industrious individuals have made investments in Lagos that has contributed largely to the economy of the state, and there is no debating the impact of Igbo investment in Lagos. I see no reason why any Lagosian should be jealous or hateful of Igbos for investing in their land. We need to be careful what we wish for because Igbo exit from Lagos will not bode well for the economy of Lagos state at all.
All tribes in Nigeria are perceived differently and mostly wrongly. The Hausa and Fulani tribes are perceived as nomads and their behaviors viewed from the lens of the excesses of herdsmen. The Yorubas on the other hand are perceived as lazy, devoid of ambition, are easily scared and avoid confrontation at all costs. They (the Yorubas) just love to enjoy life. However, none of these perceptions and stereotypes are true and have never been used as a tool to marginalize both the Hausa/Fulani or Yorubas. The only people treated differently due to wrong perception are the Igbos. Regardless of what you think about the Fulani herdsmen, Nigeria in the new millennium should not be herding cattle and spreading diseases. As a developing nation, we should be investing in ranches to breed much better cattle for consumption.
I am speaking directly to Mr. Adewale Ajibade to consider for once what will happen if the Igbos are included in the affairs of Nigeria just as we have been asking. Maybe, with that inclusion will be true synergy with good ideas flowing to help with some of the challenges we are dealing with today. The rebirth of the Biafran movement is a direct consequence of Igbo exclusion as is being agitated for today. If Igbos are allowed to use their God given talents in Nigeria, we will contribute so much more to the economy of Nigeria that is currently the norm. At the end of the day, the Igbo do not want much from anyone. All we are asking is the opportunity to be IGBOS and not be told how to speak either in public or in private.
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